#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength

Chris Duffin is a strength athlete, coach, and engineer, setting multiple strength world records including squatting and deadlifting 1000 lbs for multiple reps. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: – Headspace: https://headspace.com/lex to get free 1 month trial – Magic Spoon: https://magicspoon.com/lex and use code LEX to get $5 off – Sun Basket: https://sunbasket.com/lex and use code LEX to get $35 off – Ladder: https://ladderlife.com/lex EPISODE LINKS: Chris’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mad_scientist_duffin The Eagle and the Dragon (book): https://amzn.to/3Ckpfoj Chris’s Website: https://christopherduffin.com Kabuki Strength: https://kabukistrength.com PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: – Check out the sponsors above, it’s the best way to support this podcast – Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman – Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman – Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) – Introduction (07:10) – Performing feats of strength (13:52) – What does it take to lift 1000 lbs for reps? (16:43) – From 500 to 1000lb (17:15) – The mechanics of heavy lifting (28:32) – What did it feel like to do 1000lbs for reps? (30:26) – Achieving peak performance (35:16) – Importance of singular focus (37:48) – Chris’s childhood (50:37) – The Eagle and the Dragon: A Story of Strength and Reinvention (58:21) – Lex on business (1:04:52) – The Disciplines of Strength (1:09:33) – Powerlifting (1:22:37) – Role of strength in MMA, BJJ… and baseball (1:32:38) – What is Kabuki Strength? (1:38:55) – Equipment (1:50:09) – The importance of strong feet (1:59:15) – Chris’s diet (2:05:37) – Lex on moderation in food (2:06:11) – Steroids and PED’s (2:24:14) – Whiskey and deadlifts (2:33:03) – Is it better to work hard or smart? (2:41:52) – Advice for young people (2:45:02) – Fear of death